Warm and Cool Mist Humidifiers
Humidifiers make breathing easier by adding moisture to the air. They can also help reduce static electricity that can cause dry skin and hair.
Warm mist humidifiers use boiling water to create a soft, soothing vapor that rises through the mist chimney. They can be unsafe in homes with children and pets, as boiling water can spill out if the unit is knocked over.
Easy to Use
The simple controls on this model make it one of the easiest humidifiers to use. Just plug it in, select the humidity level you want to target, and it’ll run for up to 24 hours before shutting off automatically. If you’re using it in a kid’s room, you can also add essential oils to the water reservoir for aromatherapy purposes. The small tank is easy to fill and has an opening that allows you to pour directly into the lid, unlike some other models where you have to remove the base to do so.
The light button emits a soft glow that can help lull kids to sleep, and there are two power levels that let you adjust the mist output to your liking. A nozzle sprayer attachment lets you direct the mist toward your bed or another area of the room, and this humidifier is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control it via voice.
The no-frills design and ultra-quiet operation of this unit make it a great option for people who just need a basic humidifier that works. It doesn’t have a digital display or timer, but it does offer automatic shutoff when the water runs out. The tank is large enough to hold a full gallon of water, so refills are quick and easy.
Easy to Clean
A humidifier can help soothe dry skin, clear sinuses and throat, relieve itchy eyes, and prevent static electricity. But it can also promote the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, especially air humidifier supplier if you don’t clean it regularly. Tobie Stanger, CR’s senior editor, offers cleaning and disinfecting tips to keep your humidifier fresh and healthy all winter long.
Warm-mist humidifiers use a heating element to boil water and release it into the air as steam. They’re usually quieter than cool-mist models and can work well in a single room during cold weather, as the hot water helps to cut down on airborne bacteria and mold. They require more energy to operate, though, and they can scald you if the water isn’t properly regulated.
Cool-mist models, on the other hand, don’t require a fan to disperse moisture into the air. They’re generally quieter than warm-mist units, but they can leave minerals and microorganisms behind on furniture, surfaces and other objects in your home if you’re not careful. As a result, it’s important to empty and clean a cool-mist humidifier daily before refilling it with fresh water. The best way to do that is by filling the tank with two cups of white vinegar and shaking it well to dissolve the grime. After, you can rinse and dry the tank before re-filling it with water.
Easy to Maintain
Unlike cool-mist models, warm-mist humidifiers use a heating element to boil water into steam before expelling it into the room. This raises the temperature of the air in the room and can scald children and adults who touch the machine or mist, so they’re better suited for single rooms during cold weather. Warm-mist humidifiers also require more energy than cool-mist units and need to be cleaned frequently to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold.
Cool-mist humidifiers, on the other hand, make a lot less noise than warm-mist units and don’t raise the overall temperature of the room, but they can spread air humidifier supplier germs if not properly cleaned and disinfected. When left untreated, the wick in a cool-mist unit can become a breeding ground for mold spores. Breathing mold spores can exacerbate sinus problems, especially in those with asthma and allergies.
When buying a cool-mist humidifier, look for one with a filter or cartridge that’s easy to remove and replace, and check the owner’s manual to find out how often the water tank needs to be emptied and/or replaced. You’ll also want to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to descale and disinfect the machine. This helps to keep the machine sterile and free of scale, bacteria, and mildew, which can be unhealthy for your family. Using a vinegar solution or diluted bleach is recommended.
Easy to Install
Warm mist humidifiers boil water in a heating chamber and release the vapor as a warm, visible mist. They’re quieter than wick models, and some are designed to be aesthetically pleasing to your home décor. They also offer an advantage in colder weather: they can help warm the room, though not as much as space heaters.
Both cool and warm mist humidifiers can be a great addition to your sleep routine. They both increase the humidity of your living spaces, which helps hydrate your lungs and sinuses. This helps with congestion, dry skin, and breathing problems like asthma and allergies.
However, the mist from both types of humidifiers can leave mineral deposits on surfaces, including your furniture, and can make a room feel dusty. Using distilled water can prevent mineral build-up and keep your humidifier operating efficiently.
Both types of humidifiers can harbor bacteria and mold if they’re not properly cleaned and disinfected. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to eliminate film, scum, crust, and other build-up. Always clean and disinfect a humidifier before and after each use, especially when you’re sick or have pets in the house. Also, make sure your humidifier is out of reach from children and pets. An inadvertent turn of a dial or press of a button could activate potentially scalding steam.